Overview
- Aziz Behich’s stoppage-time strike gave Australia a 1-0 win over Japan—their first victory against the Samurai Blue in 16 years—and moved the Socceroos three points clear of third-placed Saudi Arabia in Group C.
- Uzbekistan booked its first ever World Cup berth with a 0-0 draw against the UAE, as goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov’s key saves secured second place in Group A.
- South Korea extended its streak to 11 consecutive World Cup appearances with a 2-0 victory in Iraq, and Jordan earned a first-time qualification courtesy of Ali Olwan’s hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Oman.
- Saudi Arabia’s 2-0 triumph over Bahrain in Riffa keeps their hopes alive but leaves Australia’s fate to be decided in their June 10 showdown in Jeddah.
- Under the expanded format, Asia’s top two teams from each group qualify automatically while third and fourth-place finishers advance to additional playoff rounds.